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Ganoderma Terpenoid Extract Exhibited Anti-plasmodial Activity by a Mechanism Involving Reduction in Erythrocyte and Hepatic Lipids in Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice

Summary

This research investigated how an extract from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum could help fight malaria. The study found that when combined with traditional malaria medication (chloroquine), the mushroom extract improved treatment outcomes in mice by reducing parasites and helping regulate fat metabolism in blood cells and liver tissue. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides evidence for using natural supplements alongside conventional malaria treatments – Demonstrates potential for developing new antimalarial drugs from mushroom compounds – Supports traditional medicinal uses of Ganoderma mushrooms – Offers hope for addressing drug resistance in malaria treatment – Shows how dietary mushrooms may have broader health benefits beyond basic nutrition

Background

Malaria remains a major public health challenge affecting 3.3 billion people globally, with 81% of cases occurring in Africa. Rising resistance to available treatments and recrudescence after artemisinin therapy highlights the need for new antimalarial agents. Ganoderma lucidum, an edible mushroom with medicinal properties, has shown promise through its bioactive components, particularly terpenoids, which exhibit various pharmacological effects.

Objective

To evaluate the anti-plasmodial activity of terpenoid extract from Ganoderma lucidum fruit bodies (GT) against Plasmodium berghei in mice, both alone and in combination with chloroquine. Additionally, to assess the effects of the extract on erythrocyte and hepatic lipids as well as liver HMG-CoA reductase activity before and after treatments.

Results

The combination of GT with chloroquine significantly increased survival rates from 66% to 87% (GT100+CQ) and 62% to 75% (GT250+CQ) compared to GT alone. Erythrocyte triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and phospholipids were significantly lower in GT+CQ-treated mice compared to controls. Hepatic cholesterol and phospholipid levels were also reduced, and HMG-CoA reductase activity was significantly inhibited in GT+CQ-treated mice.

Conclusion

Ganoderma terpenoid extract demonstrates significant anti-plasmodial activity through reduction in parasitemia and improved survival rates in P. berghei-infected mice. The extract’s hypolipidemic effects on infected erythrocytes and liver tissue appear to be a key mechanism of its anti-plasmodial activity. Chloroquine potentiates the curative effect of GT extract against P. berghei infection.
  • Published in:Lipids in Health and Disease,
  • Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12944-018-0951-x
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